Introduction

I have no rights to plagiarise that which isn’t mine. I am a wine taster and that makes me as eligible to comment on food as on horticulture. But I am a Virgo, and an Indian and for most aspects legal, human, which by default bestows upon me the constitutional right to comment and criticise baselessly.
How does one judge food? When hungry, even the insipid can taste like haute cuisine. But that is not a worry for professionals. Yes, like other professionals in a similar trade, we can be very cold about the whole process. Much like a wine tasting, food tasting too should be done on a relatively empty stomach. No point trying to pile on more food when you are already satiated. That way you will re-taste the food when you bring it all up in the toilet later!
When I taste food I look out for the following things:

1. Presentation: My teacher (chef) taught me that we always eat with all our senses and first among them, our eyes. If the food doesn’t look appealing, or is not presented so, then it’s an uphill task for the chef to impress. He better pack in a solid punch in the next steps or else he’s already slipping down a wet slide.
2. Aromas: Another important part of the dish. Remember, like wines, here too the nose does about 3/4ths of the work. The tongue is always less worthy for judging than the nose.
3. Taste/Texture: These can be experienced when we cut through and bite into the dish. In the case of soups, I look for clarity, consistency and persistence of flavors.
4. Finish: Does the food leave you wishing for more of the same or would you rather just chew on the table leg? Greasy, dry, spicy, chilly, sweet or any other form of imbalance will emerge at this stage and you must mark it.

Temperature of service is always important and in the case of soups, sushi and certain other items, it can make all the difference.
Fine I know I sound like such a fake. But then, you really don’t need someone else to tell you about what food tastes good and what doesn’t!

Fine I know I sound like such a fake. But then, you really don't need someone else to tell you about what food tastes good and what doesn't!